Discover the Parliament House Helsinki, which has been Finland's parliamentary centre since 1931 and is tucked away in the city's centre. Its neoclassical elegance and distinctive exterior, designed by J.S. Sirén, establish it as a national landmark that embodies democratic principles. Here, you can witness how the Finnish government is shaped within its walls by legislative sessions that represent the opinions of its people.
Featuring elaborate elements throughout, such as its magnificent gathering hall and finely designed rooms, the structure combines architectural magnificence with openness and responsibility. It has facilitated significant discussions and legislative achievements over the years that have marked Finland's social development.
The Parliament House invites you to learn more about its significance in the governance of the country and its history. Today, it serves not only as a place of power but also as a representation of Finland's democratic path and the resilient spirit of its people.
Highlights
• Marvel at Finland's legislative centre, the Parliament House Helsinki, which stands tall above the cityscape atop red granite and boasts Corinthian columns and a huge staircase.
• Learn about the five-year construction and expansion of the neoclassical marvel by architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén, which combines classical elegance with modernist features.
• Stop by Pikkuparlamentti, the contemporary outpost that sits alongside the old main structure and features a visitor centre and hip café with glass fronts.
• Discover the Helsinki Parliament's main entrance, Speaker's reception rooms, newspaper room, and records office, filled with history and vitality, across floors.
• Admire the sculptures of Presidents Ståhlberg and Svinhufvud by Wäinö Aaltonen and President Kallio by Kalervo Kallio as you stroll through Parliament Park.
How To Reach
By Car: The Parliament House is about 2.5 km from the city centre and by car it will take approximately 10 minutes via Mannerheimintie.
By Bus: You can take bus number 40 or 42 to the Parliament House (Eduskuntatalo) station, which is a short walk away. The walk from the bus station will take you around 5 minutes.
By Train/Metro: You can take the metro (M1 or M2) to Central Railway Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema). From there, it's about a 15-minute walk along Mannerheimintie to the Parliament House.
By Tram: Tram lines 4 and 10 also take you close to the Parliament House. You can get off at the Aleksanterinkatu stop, and it's a 10-minute walk from there.
By Foot: If you prefer to walk, the Parliament House is approximately a 20-minute walk from Central Railway Station, heading northwest along Mannerheimintie
Best Time To Visit
The Helsinki Parliament can be visited all year long. The best time to visit is during summer, from June to August, when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C. Weekdays are ideal, especially Tuesdays and Fridays when you can observe parliamentary sessions from the public balcony. Mornings around 9 AM are recommended to avoid crowds and it is an excellent time to explore the five floors of the Parliament House.
Other Essential Information
- Check the official website for visiting hours and any special events or closures.
- Arrive early to beat the crowds by visiting in the morning, especially on weekdays.
- Learn about the Parliament's history and architecture from knowledgeable guides on weekends.
- Enjoy nearby attractions like Finlandia Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.
- Learn about Finnish democracy and history in the Parliament's Visitor Centre.
- Maintain silence and observe respectful behaviour during sessions and tours.
Explore the first and second floors of the Parliament
As you enter the Helsinki Parliament, your adventure will commence on the first floor, a spacious and energetic level. Here, you can Explore the impressive main foyer, Speaker's reception rooms, newspaper room, and records office. You can visit the plenary room on the second floor to experience parliamentary proceedings. Look at its galleries for diplomats, the journalists, and the general public. Reception, Speaker's, and Government hallways, and a relaxing cafeteria are nearby.
Tour the 3rd-6th floors
You can Go upstairs to the third floor, which has access to the press gallery and media amenities. Look around the committee rooms and the minutes office here. Proceed through the committee-only fourth floor, which houses the famous Grand Committee and Finance Committee rooms. Ascend the marble stairs to the fifth floor for more exploration. On the fifth and sixth floors, you can find parliamentary conference rooms and media facilities to conclude your visit.
Admire the sculptures of former presidents
Enter the calm Helsinki Parliament area and view the statues dedicated to the country's former presidents. Wäinö Aaltonen's skillful sculptures of Finland's first president, Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg, and Pehr Evind Svinhufvud, who both emit a strong feeling of national history and leadership, stand out on the large lawn in front of you. North of the main house, when you venture more into Parliament Park, you encounter the imposing statue of Kyösti Kallio, which was carved by his son Kalervo Kallio. The sculptures capture Finland's political past and urge thought on these prominent leaders' legacy in the core of the nation's democratic basis.
